My research interests involve the biology, epidemiology, and management of diseases affecting corn, cotton, and tobacco in North Carolina. My goal is to support the needs of field crop industries in the southeastern United States by utilizing laboratory, field, and greenhouse studies to evaluate and provide science-based solutions and integrate pest management strategies to stakeholders. My primary focus is on highly destructive, soil-borne diseases of tobacco, black shank (Phytophthora nicotianae), Granville wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum), and target spot (Rhizoctonia solani), as well as merging diseases in corn and cotton.